What does it take to go from high school marching band to playing drums for major Broadway tours? Meet Jaren Angud, a versatile percussionist whose journey has taken him from ska cover bands in garages to international stages with Disney and beyond.
In this episode, Jaren and I dive deep into his story:
How a high school French horn mishap led him to drums
Playing in ska and punk bands before discovering theater music
Why he originally planned to be an engineer, not a musician
The moment he decided to pursue music seriously and how grad school shaped his path
Landing national and international tours like Flashdance The Musical and Beauty and the Beast
Touring across the U.S. and overseas—from Cairo to Qatar—and what it taught him about culture, travel, and resilience
What life is like as the drummer for the First National Tour of Back to the Future: The Musical
How he and his wife turned RV living into a full-time touring lifestyle
Managing fitness, routine, and mental focus while on the road
Advice for drummers who want to break into the Broadway world: versatility, preparation, and mindset
Jaren’s story is full of practical advice, real-life insights, and inspiring lessons about saying “yes” to opportunities and staying ready for the big call.
Mentioned in this episode:
His early influences: Travis Barker, ska bands, and marching percussion
Transitioning from music education to performance
Why being a “total drummer” is the key to success
Tips for navigating long-haul touring, from budgeting to health
The reality of subbing on Broadway and how Jaren prepared for Back to the Future
Whether you’re a drummer dreaming of Broadway, a musician navigating freelance life, or someone curious about the touring lifestyle, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
And if you’ve ever dreamed of building a theater career of your own, my new book is almost here.
Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career is launching soon.
Get your name on the list at BroadwayBoundBook.com to be among the first to grab a copy when it drops.
Thanks for listening!
